You take care of yourself from head to toe, but does that include your most intimate area? As a woman, your vagina is one of the most important parts of your body. You might think that caring for this part of your body is something only postmenopausal women need to do. However, like the rest of your body, keeping your vaginal area clean and healthy is something that all women should do, regardless of age. Below we’ve included 5 intimate care tips:

1. Incorporate a Hydrating Lotion into Your Cleansing Routine

It’s time to #ScrapTheSoap. The truth is that traditional body washes are not made for this sensitive area of your body. Soaps can be very drying and affect the pH levels of your vagina, and that can do way more harm than good. Instead of soaps and regular body washes, opt for Italy’s #1 choice in feminine care, Lybrigyn Cleansing Lotion.

“I always recommend Lubrigyn Cleansing Lotion to my patients who need to bring back moisturizing to their vulvar tissue. Other soaps and body washes are too harsh for this delicate skin.” – Dr. Michael Krychman

This gentle cleanser not only deodorizes, but the botanical ingredients provide plenty of moisturizing as well. The pH-balanced lotion cleanses with natural oils that won’t cause irritation, including sweet almond, jojoba and olive oil.

“I love the way I feel after cleansing with Lubrigyn,” said Carol Doyel, Editor-in-Chief of LivingBetter50.com. “When I shower, I use just a bit of Lubrigyn Cleansing Lotion, and it leaves me feeling silky smooth – not dry. It’s by far the best vaginal product I have ever used.”

Lubrigyn Cleansing Lotion is also made with hyaluronic acid and elastin, and a recent study found that these two ingredients assist with vaginal dryness.

“Your feminine hygiene is important at every age. If you’re experiencing vulvar dryness due to menopause for example, consider Lubrigyn Cleansing Lotion, which cleanses, lubricates and moisturizes!” – Dr. Alyssa Dweck

Here are 4 more tips to help you keep your most intimate area clean and healthy:

2. Wear Cotton Underwear

There are so many types of underwear available nowadays. When you’re enjoying time with a special someone, you might want to wear sexier lace or satin panties. For every day though, cotton is the way to go. Cotton underwear is breathable and absorbs moisture quickly. This is important because if this area stays damp, it can encourage the growth of yeast. If you’re comfortable doing so, you can even go commando at home or when you go to bed to let things air out down there.

3. Update Your Diet

Yogurt, Greek yogurt especially, provides your body with “good” bacteria. The live cultures in this snack replenish the good bacteria that your body, and your vagina, need to function properly. It also helps to ward off yeast infections. Plain Greek yogurt is best. Other fermented foods like kombucha and kefir as well as cranberry juice and garlic are good for your vaginal health as well.

4. Strengthen Your Muscles

Like the rest of your body, the muscles of your vagina need to be worked out to stay strong. You can accomplish this by doing Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles of your pelvic floor, which can weaken as you get older, especially if you’ve given birth. Find your pelvic floor muscles by pretending to stop the flow of urine midstream. The muscles that tighten are your Kegels. Squeeze the muscles, hold for a few seconds, then release. Repeat this 10-12 times.

5. Use Condoms for Healthy pH Balance

Condoms can help keep your vagina healthy. The pH level of your vagina is acidic, but the pH level of semen is basic. Unprotected sex can throw off your vaginal pH balance, which can lead to an infection. In addition to using condoms, be sure to urinate before and after sex.

Are you ready to #ScraptheSoap and take control of your vaginal health? Try the Lubrigyn Cleansing Lotion today. Redeem this $5 off coupon on lubrigynusa.com today. As a bonus in February, you can redeem with a $5 in-store coupon from CVS—so you can try this great product for free!

Allegra Gallian is a freelance writer and blogger who specializes in lifestyle, health, wellness and fitness. She lives in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. When she’s not writing, Allegra enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with friends and family.